New Requirements Released for Physician Medical Records Related to Compounded Medications

By Michael L. Smith, R.R.T., J.D., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On September 5, 2013, the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine published new requirements for medical record documentation related to compounded medications administered to patients in an office setting. These standards become effective September 9, 2013. The standards are contained in Florida Administrative Code Rules adopted by each board.

We believe the updated requirements are a result of the recent recalls of tainted compounded medications that have spread across the country and infected thousands of patients. These new standards will make it easier for health care professionals to trace drug reactions and spot tainted batches of medications quickly. The new changes apply to the exact documentation required anytime a compounded medication is administered to a patient.

According to the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine, when compounded medications are administered to a patient in the office the medical record documentation must contain, at a minimum:

1. The name and concentration of medication administered;
2. The lot number of the medication administered;
3. The expiration date of the medication administered;
4. The name of the compounding pharmacy or manufacturer;
5. The site of administration on the patient;
6. The amount of medication administered; and
7. The date the medication was administered.

New Standards Most Likely Triggered by Tainted Compounded Medications.

These new standards are being implemented about a year after a nationwide outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to contaminated drugs made by a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts. Click here to read our previous blog. Florida is no stranger to allegations of tainted compounded products. In May 2013, Franck’s pharmacy in Ocala, Florida, was accused of distributing eye medications that contained a fungal infection. Click here for the first blog and here for the second blog on this.

It’s likely these updated requirements are a direct result of the recent issues with compounded medications and compounding pharmacies. In the event a health care professional’s office receives a batch of tainted compounded medicine, these medical record standards will help the health care professional track which patients received the tainted medications. Also, authorities, such as the Department of Health (DOH) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), will be able to easily track and send recalls to the offices that receive tainted compounded medications.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in the Representation of Health Professionals and Providers.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Comments?

Had you heard of these updates? Do you think these requirements will help officials track tainted medications? Please leave any thoughtful comments below.

About the Authors: Michael L. Smith, R.R.T., J.D., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.